WHEREAS, Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, while millions of women are surviving the disease thanks in part to early detection and improvements in treatment; and
WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2014 in the United States about 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and about 40,000 women will die from breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, Breast cancer also affects men, about 2,360 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men, and about 430 men will die from breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 36 (about 3%). Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with the greatest decrease in women younger than 50, this decrease is believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening, increased awareness, and improved treatment; and
WHEREAS, At this time there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States; and
WHEREAS, An important aspect of raising awareness involves helping people understand the importance of timely mammograms to screen for and detect breast cancer in the early stages so that early treatment can occur, which will improve outcomes; and
WHEREAS, National Mammography Day is October 17, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The PA Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) is a statewide organization formed in 1993 with a mission to support women in Pennsylvanian diagnosed with breast cancer, support the families who have lost loved ones from breast cancer, and serve as a resource for many more women currently living with the disease; and
WHEREAS, Numerous statewide programs are sponsored by the PBCC including Friends like Me Care Packages for those recently diagnosed with breast cancer, a traveling photo exhibit to celebrate the life and dignity of women who have battled breast cancer, and a free online course for nurses, social workers, advocates, and all others to learn about free breast cancer treatment and Pennsylvania's Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program; and
WHEREAS, The 2014 PA Breast Cancer Coalition Annual Conference reaching out to breast cancer survivors, medical professionals, caregivers, and advocates will be held Monday, October, 13, 2014 in Harrisburg; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby commend the PA Breast Cancer Coalition and its efforts to find a cure for breast cancer; and declare October, 2014 to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to PA Breast Cancer Coalition as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End